Ancient Greek History MCQ Quiz: Trivia!

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Ancient Greek History MCQ Quiz: Trivia! - Quiz


How much do you understand about Ancient Greek history? This quiz will enrich your mind. Ancient Greece was a civilization that occurred in Greek history from the Greek dark ages of the 12-9th centuries BC to until the end of ancient times. After that, the early middle ages and the Byzantine period came to fruition. If you are looking for a practice quiz before the real exam, this is your chance.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Sea travel was important to the Greeks because.....

    • A.

      Most of the Greeks lived within 50 miles of the sea.

    • B.

      It is located near the Aegean Sea, the Ionian SEa and the Black Sea, which provided trade routes.

    • C.

      The mountains in the Greek interior were hard to pass over; the sea was easier.

    • D.

      Greece had an abundance of its own natural resources to trade with.

    • E.

      The road system was excellent and made the sea acessible to the rest of Europe.

    • F.

      The land was rocky, and not good for farming, so importing other counties' goods was necessary.

    • G.

      A lack of fresh water made imported farm goods essential.

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Most of the Greeks lived within 50 miles of the sea.
    B. It is located near the Aegean Sea, the Ionian SEa and the Black Sea, which provided trade routes.
    C. The mountains in the Greek interior were hard to pass over; the sea was easier.
    F. The land was rocky, and not good for farming, so importing other counties' goods was necessary.
    G. A lack of fresh water made imported farm goods essential.
    Explanation
    Sea travel was important to the Greeks because most of them lived within 50 miles of the sea, providing easy access to maritime activities. Additionally, Greece's location near the Aegean Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Black Sea allowed for the establishment of trade routes, enhancing economic prosperity. The mountainous terrain in the Greek interior made land travel difficult, making sea travel a more convenient option. The rocky nature of the land also made farming challenging, necessitating the importation of goods from other countries. Furthermore, the lack of fresh water made the importation of farm goods essential for sustenance.

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  • 2. 

    The Myceneans were early settlers on the Greek mainland. They came from parts of Europe, India, and Southwest Asia.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because the Mycenaeans were indeed early settlers on the Greek mainland. They originated from various regions including parts of Europe, India, and Southwest Asia. This suggests that the Mycenaeans were a diverse group of people who migrated to Greece from different parts of the world.

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  • 3. 

    The stories passed down from Homer's Illiad and Odyssey about the Trojan Wars and the city of Troy was thought to be fables until evidence was unearthed by a historian that made many believe these stories were based in fact.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because evidence unearthed by a historian supports the notion that the stories from Homer's Illiad and Odyssey, which include the Trojan Wars and the city of Troy, are based on factual events rather than being mere fables. This suggests that there is historical truth behind these ancient tales.

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  • 4. 

    It is thought that the Trojan War may have been a struggle for control of what waterway?

    • A.

      Mediterranean Sea

    • B.

      Suez Canal

    • C.

      Nile River

    • D.

      Aegean Sea

    • E.

      None of the Above

    Correct Answer
    D. Aegean Sea
    Explanation
    During the time of the Trojan War, the Aegean Sea was a crucial waterway that connected various regions and civilizations. The conflict between the Greeks and Trojans was primarily fought over control of this sea, as it provided access to trade routes and resources. The Aegean Sea was strategically important for both sides, and its control would have allowed the victor to dominate the surrounding areas. Therefore, it is believed that the Trojan War was a struggle for control of the Aegean Sea.

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  • 5. 

    Homer was a blind storyteller who composed epics during the time when Greeks had little knowledge of writing. What is an epic?

    • A.

      An epic is a grand fairy tale that begins with the words, 'Once upon a time'.

    • B.

      An epic is a narrative poem celebrating heroes, heroines and their great deeds.

    • C.

      An epic is a movie, shown in 3-D.

    • D.

      All of the Above

    • E.

      None of the Above

    Correct Answer
    B. An epic is a narrative poem celebrating heroes, heroines and their great deeds.
  • 6. 

    I am a Greek woman.  My people expect me to be strong and athletic.  I am not permitted to vote, but I am expected to manage my family affairs while my husband is away.

    • A.

      I am from Sparta.

    • B.

      I am from Athens.

    • C.

      I am from Rome.

    • D.

      I am from Egypt

    Correct Answer
    A. I am from Sparta.
    Explanation
    The given information states that the woman is expected to be strong and athletic, which aligns with the expectations of women in Sparta. In Sparta, women were known for their physical strength and were expected to manage their family affairs while their husbands were away at war. In contrast, women in Athens had limited rights and were not expected to be physically strong. Rome and Egypt also had different societal expectations and roles for women, making Sparta the most likely answer based on the given information.

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  • 7. 

    The Greeks created many myths which are still told, today.

    • A.

      A myth is a traditional story.

    • B.

      Greek myths featured their gods as the main characters

    • C.

      Greek myths were not believed by the Greek population, they were just like bedtime stories for the children.

    • D.

      The purpose of myths was to answer difficult questions about the mysteries of nature and the powerful passion of people.

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. A myth is a traditional story.
    B. Greek myths featured their gods as the main characters
    D. The purpose of myths was to answer difficult questions about the mysteries of nature and the powerful passion of people.
    Explanation
    The Greeks created many myths which are still told today. Greek myths were traditional stories that featured their gods as the main characters. These myths served the purpose of answering difficult questions about the mysteries of nature and the powerful passion of people. They were not believed by the Greek population but were more like bedtime stories for children.

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  • 8. 

    Check the 4 statements that are true of Athens.

    • A.

      There was no power struggle between the rich and the poor.

    • B.

      The world's first democracy, or rule by the people, was successful, here.

    • C.

      Women were expected to stay out of public life and raise children.

    • D.

      They instituted some of the first laws enforcing contracts and property ownership.

    • E.

      They valued education, the arts and individuality.

    • F.

      They supported their military above all other institutions.

    • G.

      They allowed all residents to become voting citizens.

    Correct Answer(s)
    B. The world's first democracy, or rule by the people, was successful, here.
    C. Women were expected to stay out of public life and raise children.
    D. They instituted some of the first laws enforcing contracts and property ownership.
    E. They valued education, the arts and individuality.
    Explanation
    Athens is known for being the birthplace of democracy, making the statement "The world's first democracy, or rule by the people, was successful here" true. Additionally, it is historically accurate that women in Athens were expected to focus on their roles as wives and mothers, staying out of public life, which is supported by the statement "Women were expected to stay out of public life and raise children." Athens also instituted some of the earliest laws enforcing contracts and property ownership, as mentioned in the statement "They instituted some of the first laws enforcing contracts and property ownership." Lastly, Athens valued education, the arts, and individuality, as stated in "They valued education, the arts and individuality."

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  • 9. 

    What is a phalanx?

    • A.

      A building, like a fort, that defended the cities.

    • B.

      A spear designed out of iron, used by the poorer soldiers.

    • C.

      A military formation, where footsoldiers stood side by side with their spears in one hand and their shields another.

    • D.

      A hairstyle preferred by wealthy Spartan women.

    Correct Answer
    C. A military formation, where footsoldiers stood side by side with their spears in one hand and their shields another.
    Explanation
    A phalanx is a military formation where footsoldiers stand side by side with their spears in one hand and their shields in another. This formation was commonly used in ancient Greece, particularly by the Spartans. The soldiers would stand closely together, creating a wall of shields and spears that made it difficult for enemies to penetrate. This formation allowed for a strong and coordinated attack, as well as providing protection for the soldiers. It was a highly effective tactic that played a significant role in ancient Greek warfare.

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  • 10. 

    Check 2 that are true about the Persian Wars.

    • A.

      They were fought between Sparta and Athens.

    • B.

      The Spartans and Athenians fought against Persia.

    • C.

      The Persians defeated their enemies.

    • D.

      After the wars. the Athenians emerged as a place where science, the arts and democracy grew.

    • E.

      The Persians, under King Darius, went on to conquer Asia and Rome.

    Correct Answer(s)
    B. The Spartans and Athenians fought against Persia.
    D. After the wars. the Athenians emerged as a place where science, the arts and democracy grew.
    Explanation
    The Persian Wars were fought between the Spartans and Athenians against Persia. After the wars, Athens emerged as a hub for science, the arts, and democracy.

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  • 11. 

    Who am I? History has called me a wise statesman. I had three goals for my beloved city of Athens,  I wanted to strengthen democracy, hold and strengthen the Athenian empire, and promoted the glory of Athens. My name is......

    • A.

      King Darius

    • B.

      Pericles

    • C.

      Aristotle

    • D.

      Parthenon

    Correct Answer
    B. Pericles
    Explanation
    Pericles is the correct answer because he was a prominent statesman in ancient Athens who strived to achieve the mentioned goals. He is known for his leadership during the Golden Age of Athens, where he strengthened democracy, expanded and consolidated the Athenian empire, and promoted the cultural and artistic glory of Athens. Pericles was a key figure in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Athens during this period.

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  • 12. 

    Who am I?  I was the son of a physician: a bright student of Plato.  I opened a successful school which practiced my method of questioning science, nature, belief and thought according to the rules of logic.  My methods provide the basis for scientific method that you use, today. My most famous student was the son of Philip of Macedonia. My name is.......

    • A.

      Socrates

    • B.

      Pythagorus

    • C.

      Aristotle

    • D.

      Alexander the Great

    Correct Answer
    C. Aristotle
    Explanation
    Aristotle is the correct answer because the description provided matches his background and accomplishments. He was the son of a physician, a student of Plato, and opened a successful school where he questioned science, nature, belief, and thought using logic. His methods greatly influenced the development of the scientific method. Additionally, his most famous student was Alexander the Great.

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  • 13. 

    Who am I?  I believe that the greatest form of evil is ignorance.  To that end, I encouraged everyone to question everything, thus bringing out contradictory opinions that could enlighten others.  Knowledge is the only good.  My name is.......

    • A.

      Socrates

    • B.

      Plato

    • C.

      Aristotle

    • D.

      Alexander the Great

    Correct Answer
    A. Socrates
    Explanation
    Socrates is the correct answer because the description provided matches his beliefs and philosophy. Socrates believed that ignorance was the greatest form of evil and that questioning everything was essential for gaining knowledge and enlightenment. He emphasized the importance of critical thinking and dialogue to uncover contradictory opinions and promote learning. Socrates' teachings and ideas greatly influenced Plato and Aristotle, but the given description specifically aligns with Socrates' beliefs and principles.

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  • 14. 

    Although Athens held power for a long time, Macedonia, a kingdom north of Greece, was able to conquer it because the Greeks couldn't agree on a policy of how to defend themselves.  Alexander the Great, a Macedonian, had a great love of all things Greek and desired to conquer it as his own, so he took advantage of their weak indecision and took it over.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Macedonia was able to conquer Athens because the Greeks couldn't agree on a policy to defend themselves. Alexander the Great, being Macedonian but having a love for Greek culture, took advantage of this weakness and conquered Athens. This explanation supports the statement that the answer is true.

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  • 15. 

    What is Alexander the Great best known for?

    • A.

      The advances he made in science.

    • B.

      Conquering most of the known world in his short life.

    • C.

      Writing a series of plays that are still read, today.

    • D.

      Developing Greek art and architecture.

    Correct Answer
    B. Conquering most of the known world in his short life.
    Explanation
    Alexander the Great is best known for conquering most of the known world in his short life. He was a military genius and his empire stretched from Greece to Egypt and as far east as India. His conquests transformed the political and cultural landscape of the ancient world, leaving a lasting impact on history. His military strategies and leadership skills are still studied and admired today.

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  • 16. 

    Which of these 4 influences blended to form Hellenistic culture?

    • A.

      Greek

    • B.

      Indian

    • C.

      Northern European

    • D.

      Egyptian

    • E.

      Macedonian

    • F.

      Persian

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Greek
    B. Indian
    D. Egyptian
    F. Persian
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Greek, Indian, Egyptian, and Persian. These four influences blended together to form Hellenistic culture. The Greeks provided the foundation with their language, philosophy, and art. The Indian influence brought new ideas in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. The Egyptians contributed to the development of architecture, medicine, and religious beliefs. The Persians introduced new administrative and governmental systems. Together, these influences created a rich and diverse culture that spread throughout the Hellenistic world.

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  • 17. 

    Who am I?  I was a scientist in Hellenistic Greece.  I estimated the value of Mathematical Pi or the ratio of circumference to diameter.  I showed the law of the lever and designed the pulley to lift heavy objects with very little force.  I designed an efficient way to irrigate by raising water out of the ground in a screwing motion, and changed warfare, forever with my design of a catapult.  What is my name?

    • A.

      Plutarc

    • B.

      Alexander the Great

    • C.

      Homer

    • D.

      Archimedes

    • E.

      None of the Above.

    Correct Answer
    D. Archimedes
    Explanation
    Archimedes is the correct answer because he was a scientist in Hellenistic Greece who made significant contributions to mathematics and engineering. He estimated the value of Pi, demonstrated the law of the lever, designed the pulley system, and invented the screw pump for irrigation. He also designed a catapult that revolutionized warfare. None of the other options mentioned have made these specific contributions or fit the given description.

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  • 18. 

    Check 3 that apply about Epicureanism.

    • A.

      It teaches that the world is composed of atoms.

    • B.

      It teaches that there is no such thing as a god or gods.

    • C.

      It teaches that there is reality beyond the five senses.

    • D.

      It taught that pleasure arose from virtuous conduct and an absense of pain.

    • E.

      It taught that the body and mind could never be at peace with one another.

    • F.

      Modern practitioners devote themselves to pursuing human pleasures.

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. It teaches that the world is composed of atoms.
    D. It taught that pleasure arose from virtuous conduct and an absense of pain.
    F. Modern practitioners devote themselves to pursuing human pleasures.
    Explanation
    Epicureanism teaches that the world is composed of atoms because Epicurus believed that everything in the universe is made up of tiny, indivisible particles. It also taught that pleasure arose from virtuous conduct and an absence of pain, as Epicurus believed that the ultimate goal in life is to achieve a state of tranquility and happiness by avoiding pain and seeking pleasure. Additionally, modern practitioners of Epicureanism devote themselves to pursuing human pleasures, as they believe that the pursuit of pleasure is the key to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
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    Thor1872
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